Recall: Heaters and Humidifiers Recalled by Honeywell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 8, 1998 Release # 98-091

Company Phone Number: (800) 632-9498 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066

CPSC, Honeywell Announce Recall of Heaters and Humidifiers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Honeywell Consumer Products, of Southborough, Mass., is recalling about 1.6 million heaters sold under the Duracraft brand name, about 8,000 heaters sold under the DeLonghi brand name and 150,000 humidifiers sold under the Duracraft and Honeywell brand names in the United States and Canada. The heaters and humidifiers can overheat, presenting a fire hazard.

Honeywell has received 56 reports of heaters overheating or catching fire, causing one minor injury, and six reports of humidifiers overheating or catching fire. Some of the fires relating to these heaters and humidifiers caused extensive damage.

Only Duracraft model CZ-303, CZ-304, CZ-308, CZ-318, CZ-319 Heat Express and DeLonghi model CER-1 portable electric ceramic heaters are involved in this recall. The model number is located on a silver sticker on the bottom of the heater. The heater is 1500 watts and is colored black. Control knobs are located on the top or front of the unit. "Heat Express " and "Duracraft " or "DeLonghi" appear on the front of the unit.

Only Duracraft model DH-950 Moisture SelectTM humidifiers and Honeywell model HCW-3040 Moisture SelectTM humidifiers are involved in this recall. The model number is located on the bottom of the humidifier. The humidifier is colored white and has a clear water tank that holds about two gallons. Control knobs and two output vents (one for cold moisture and one for warm moisture) are located on top of the unit. "Duracraft" or "Honeywell" appears between the two output vents on top of the unit.

Retail outlets including discount stores, home centers, club stores and catalogue showrooms nationwide sold the Duracraft heaters from January 1989 through March 1998 for about $50 to $75. The DeLonghi heaters were sold from January 1989 through December 1990. Similar retail outlets nationwide sold the Duracraft and Honeywell humidifiers from May 1995 through March 1998 for about $50 to $80.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters and humidifiers and call Honeywell at (800) 632-9498 anytime for instructions on returning their product for a free replacement.